How Lifestyle Changes And Surgery Can Prevent Loss Of Vision In Glaucoma
Considered to be the second leading cause of blindness
, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause gradual and permanent vision loss. The disease is usually caused due to very high pressure inside the eyes which damage what are called the optic nerves.
Since it often has no noticeable signs, regular eye examinations are the only way to diagnose glaucoma. Early diagnosis can help reduce the pressure inside the eye and prevent further vision loss.
Lifestyle changes can prevent vision loss in glaucoma
While it is necessary to consult an eye doctor for treatment of the condition, there are certain lifestyle tips that can help bring relief in this eye disease.
For example, exercise has been found to reduce eye pressure in people who have open angle glaucoma, the most common form of this eye disease. Studies have found that exercising at least three times a week reduces the pressure by around 20 percent. There are certain exercises such as inverted head postures which should be avoided since they may increase eye pressure instead of reducing it.
Exercise, however, has been found to have no impact on close angle glaucoma and in fact, may increase eye pressure in what is referred to as pigmentary glaucoma, a secondary form of this eye disease.
The best person to tell you about the type of glaucoma you have will be your physician. He or she will also be able to guide you about the kind of exercises that should be avoided.
Sipping fluids frequently throughout the course of the day may help. However, avoid drinking a quart or more of any liquid within a short time since it may increase the pressure in your eye. Studies have also found that drinking large amounts of caffeine can elevate eye pressure so keep your coffee intake to the minimal.
Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids may help, however, no evidence has been found that these prevent loss of vision in patients with glaucoma. There are also certain herbs that may help alleviate the symptoms of glaucoma. These include gingko biloba and bilberry. However, always check with your physician before using these supplements since these may cause unknown side effects.
Sensitivity to light and glare is common in patients with glaucoma and medications only make it worse. Patients should, therefore, use sunglasses that block at least 95 percent of the UV rays of the sun.
When do you require eye surgery?
Medicated eye drops and oral medications are usually the first line of treatment used to prevent vision loss in glaucoma. In some cases, however, medications may not be able to control the eye pressure. There may also be instances where the medications cause intolerable side effects.
In such cases, the only option left is eye surgery. There are two procedures that are used for glaucoma and these are trabeculectomy and laser trabeculoplasty. While the former is more effective in draining the excess fluid, the latter has lesser side effects.
Almost 50 percent of the patients who have a trabeculectomy do not require any medication. However, in the case of laser trabeculoplasty, medication will need to be continued and another surgery may be needed after a few years.
Precautions to take post surgery
Avoid any kind of strenuous activity for at least two weeks after the surgery. Avoid straining the eye since it may increase the risk of internal bleeding or open the surgical wound.
Smoking should be avoided since it may cause irritation and discomfort in the eye. Alcohol is fine as long as you keep it to moderate levels and do not get drunk.
Eye surgery increases your risk of eye infections. So, consult your eye doctor immediately if you experience any pain, inflammation or eye discharge. If you use contact lenses, clean and disinfect them daily to reduce the chances of infection.
Keep in mind that there is no way to really prevent
glaucoma, which is the more common form of these
eye conditions. However, early diagnosis and early treatment can help prevent vision loss. So, if you are over the age of 40, go for an eye checkup at least every five years and more often if you have a family history of glaucoma.
by: Kate Dawson
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